Oh, Tasha, I just finished a book I waited 4 years to write because I wasn't good enough! Still not sure I'm good enough, but sure enjoyed putting that one on paper!

Do it, as soon as you're ready - it's wonderfully freeing!

Ohhhhh ... September! We're going to have fun. 🙂

Thanks, Orly. I'm thinking that the frogs were using cross-country mind control on me and telling me to listen to you--even before you actually told me something to listen to--because I went to the bookstore yesterday for one magazine and ended up buying six hard copy books (and forgot the magazine, of course), then I went home and bought three more e-books online. (Cheaper than clothes, and I don't have to worry about them being too tight on me, LOL.) They're all reading-for-fun books, so I'm thinking I will take your advice and just read, read, read and quit pressuring myself. Because that's what summer is for, right? And then hopefully the hiatus will knock something loose in my brain so I have something to work on New Mexico in September!

*patting the bench next to me* ...

Here's a crazy thought ... give yourself permission not to work on a story for a while. Write a short story or write an article for a magazine you've always loved (doesn't mean you have to submit it although why not??) or just read. Catch up on blog posts, make a dent in the TBR pile, read a writing craft magazine or cooking magazines or whatever floats your boat at that moment. But do them without the stress of "should be writing instead." If you stop pushing the story to come to you, it may just hop onto the bench next to you when you're not paying attention. 🙂

Deb, maybe you should try "speed dating" for stories - give each one a set amount of time (30 minutes? hour?) and brainstorm on paper the plot points and characters and fun facts. Then see which of those ideas chews with its mouth closed, says thank you and please, and sparks the most creativity in you. 😉

That's a great feeling. Enjoy the writing. And thank you for being one of those honest comments!